Smoldering Chemical Containers Forces Evacuation at Dole

June 2, 2004
Nearly a dozen workers were evacuated from the Dole Food Company building Tuesday after a container filled with chemicals began to swell and smolder, fire officials said.
WAHIAWA, Hawaii (AP) -- Nearly a dozen workers were evacuated from the Dole Food Company building Tuesday after a container filled with chemicals began to swell and smolder, fire officials said.

A fire hazardous-materials team was called to the scene, but decided against evacuating residents living near the Whitmore Avenue building since winds were blowing the smoke away from the homes.

``We don't want to create a panic,'' fire Capt. Kenison Tejada said. ``Everything is stable right now.''

Dole officials said the chemicals are mixed to create a resin-like substance to create a lining in pipes. But the refrigeration apparently stopped working.

Firefighters were monitoring the containers late into the night.

Related

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!